Spacious Hove Pub Secures Future with Freehold Acquisition Following 20 Years of Operation
Christie Finance is pleased to have secured funding for the purchase of The Garden Bar's freehold, helping the experienced operator take ownership of the property and safeguard the future of one of Hove's leading events-focused pubs.
Located on Portland Road, a leafy residential area of Brighton & Hove and just 0.7 miles away from the sea front, this charming old pub steeped in history and character attracts a wide range of customers from local residents and families to visitors seeking a warm welcome, quality food and drink, and a relaxed atmosphere at the heart of the community. The pub hosts a range of events, from popular weekly quiz nights to live sports screenings, ensuring there is always something happening for customers to enjoy.
The Garden Bar has become particularly renowned for its thriving weddings and events offering, with flexible indoor and outdoor spaces capable of accommodating between 30 and 250 guests. Significant investment has recently been made into enhancing the venue's events facilities, helping to establish it as one of Brighton & Hove's largest and most versatile hospitality venues for private celebrations, corporate gatherings and community events.
Peter Wilson, Managing Director of Abiru Ltd, has operated The Garden Bar for more than 20 years and has long aspired to own the freehold. While opportunities to purchase the property had not previously been available, the brewery changed their mind deciding to sell. Purchasing the asset presented a rare chance to secure the future of the business. Having invested heavily in the venue's development over recent years, including extensive refurbishment works and improvements to its events offering, Peter was determined to complete the acquisition.
Christie Finance successfully arranged funding for the purchase, enabling Peter to take ownership of the property and move the business forward with greater long-term stability and control. The transaction ensures that The Garden Bar can continue serving the local community whilst building on the success it has achieved as a destination venue for events and celebrations.
Nick Louis, Finance Consultant at Christie Finance comments, “The pub and hospitality industry are facing many challenges at the moment and sadly funding can be one of them. Peter has a strong, well-established business but even then the funding was not straightforward, I am proud to say we made his business even stronger and helped to future proof it against whatever the next hurdle hospitality faces.”
Get in touch to find out more about your finance needs below.